Friday, July 31, 2015

Folks, am excitedddd I can't contain my excitement. That's because....I will get to entertain some very special guests this weekend inshaAllah.

"It is not how much we have,
but how much we enjoy,
that makes happiness.''

Enjoying each and every day. Alhamdulillah.

Hmm...this does not quite qualify as a posting. But who cares? I have got so much to prepare and so little time.

Catch yáll later, hopefully with a lil something that will put a smile on someone's face and gladden some hearts.

Alhamdulillah. For that Alhamdulillah, we say one more time, Alhamdulillah.

Jumaah Mubarrak folks.

*****

Just realized that this is the last posting for July. Grateful that we have managed to share quite a bit in July. And I've got only 70 postings to go in order to meet the 200-postings target bi-iznillah.

It's always good to be and stay objective because it keeps us grounded. It keeps the mind occupied with positive things. It keeps the heart clear of unwanted clutters.

Let the enemies spy on us, get restless, harbour more envy and plot their evil plots, if they so wish.

At the end of the day, Allah's plans shall prevail.

May Allah make us belong with those who accept His qada and qadar gladly.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Hi folks, no doubt it's now Syawal, and not Rejab, so talks on Israk Mikraj may seem outdated, but trust me in these two videos you will get to listen to some details which you might not have heard before, particularly about Prophet Musa in relation to the event.

Shaykh Aslam is one whose lectures are mesmerizing in my opinion because his intonation and narration style are catchy. This was recorded in May 2015 when the Shaykh was in Malaysia.

Below is his short bio borrowed from isyllabus.org.uk of which Shaykh Aslam is one of high-caliber teachers at the institute.

'Shakyh Mohammed Aslam memorised the Quran from an early age, after which he embarked on a path seeking sacred knowledge. He ultimately, traveled to Damascus where he undertook extensive private studies as well as enrolling in the Mahad al-Fath al-Islami seminary from where he graduated after six years of full time study. On returning to the UK, he enrolled in Post-graduate studies at the same time serving as Imam Khatib of one of the largest mosques in Birmingham. Shaykh Aslam established the City of Knowledge Academy which serves as a bustling hub of educational activity as well as also advising various community and grassroots projects around the city.'

Monday, July 27, 2015

Alhamdulillah, that I am able to stay focused on my work even though some not-so-normal people tried to shake up my equilibrium. We are not answerable to mortals whether we are right, sincere, grateful or whatever. We just have to keep moving ahead and keep striving until our last day.

To our Malay readers, here is the second part of the lecture by Dr Danial Zainal Abidin held at Masjid Al-Bukhary KL where he talked about the signs of the Last Day. It is fast approaching so let's just stay focused on important matters, as said Dr Danial in this video, acting upon priority areas is a fiqh in itself, in Arabic it's known as Fiqh al-Awlawiyat. He also encouraged each household to keep Tafsir Ibn Kathir and Tafsir Al-Azhar by Hamka (the late Indonesian Sufi and Philosopher). Dr Danial in all his lectures would always propagate tadabbur of the Quran instead of mere recitation or memorization.

May Allah continue to guide us, protect us and grant us husnul khatimah. Ameen.

I leave you with these profound words I came to know from a brother whom I respect. He got it from an article of a blog [careandgrowth.com]:

''Imagine that death is an entity that walks just out of your vision, behind your left shoulder. It's ok, you can look over your shoulder and if you look really carefully (squint your eyes), you may just see him. He is a faithful companion and is always with you...every second of your existence. One day, he'll come forward and tap you on your shoulder and whisper gently into your ear, 'It's time.''

***

Last but not least, this is something I have just found (a late addition to this posting). It's a lesson shared on Muwasala FB, about making salawat to the Prophet (s.a.w) and invoking one of Allah's Beautiful Names Al Jami:

'O Allah, O Uniter bestow abundant prayers and peace upon Your slave and beloved, our Master Muhammad, the Prophet who gathered Your secrets and upon his family and companions, and by him combine for me all the good and felicity of both abodes and unite my affairs and allow me to focus completely upon You.'

Sunday, July 26, 2015

It's Friday night. Somehow I am productive tonight, am posting in advance, so here it is, as promised, the video of lectures by Shaykh Mohammed Aslam on 'Confusion of Knowledge and the Importance of Sanad' recorded at Uni Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) in May 2015.

Friday, July 24, 2015

This is the second Friday in Syawal. We all still can't let go of the laidback Eid mood can we?

Even the KL Tower is still in its baju raya [Eid dress], I have never seen it wearing green before. I was watching a TV program on TV Al Hijrah tonight where two ustaz and a bright articulate host talked about parables from the Quran. About God using parables of a mosquito, spider, ant, bee etc.

Interesting point they made about spider, how female spiders would get rid of their males because she wants to be in control. One lesson we could learn from this parable according to the ustaz is that in a family where a woman tries to act as leader and dominate the husband, the family sure is bound for destruction.

Gosh! May we be spared from black spiders, black magic woman, and people who are always green with envy at other people.

KL Tower 'wearing' green

p/s

Folks, I ask you to pray for one poor man whose wife made him sleep in the car yesterday. He can't seem to free himself from her dominance.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

The video is a tausiyah he gave at the Al-Wariseen Trust office. Al-Wariseen is an organization led by Shaykh Afeefuddin Al-Jilani based in KL.

Yes, it's in English. Glad I don't have to apologize to our English speaking readers. But really we cannot avoid having some videos in the Malay language. And yes we are yet to figure out the English subtitles for the Malay videos which we had published so far.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

I am loving it, it as in the present moment. I think I have gotten the hang of it, that is to die from the moment which has just passed. It's empowering and liberating, the feeling of living in the present moment.

Many people have hang-ups about their past. Many people have hang-ups about another person's past. That's worse and strange, is it not? As if they will be answerable regarding the other fella's past or even present for that matter. Or that their commentaries on another person's past, present and future carry a major weight or any weight at all. Hello!

Interesting quote I discovered just a while ago. It's by Lao Tzu. Now someone is going to consider it 'Islamically blasphemous' to quote Lao Tzu, LOL. You know there are many self-appointed moral police out there.

Anyway, Lao Tzu says, 'If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.' I think he's giving a good barometer there, for us to check in which time-sphere we dwell.

One of the best thing about life is that no one can rob you off your 'peace of mind'. Let them shake you til their bones rattle. Let them shout til the morning comes. You know you have the best gift when regardless of the noises out there, you are quiet, serene and at peace by yourself. You know you have the best gift there can be when you feel secured living in the moment, because in His hand is all good and nothing else matters.

Ya Hu....Allah Wali.

Peace y'all.

-E-

p/s

You can consider yourself losing love, if you have to fight for it every other day, if you have to GPS your partner. Love is a gift, you only get it when it's given and you cannot hoard that which is never there.

Look at this woman. When I met her, she was the only person left at the old folks home. Everybody else, her neighbors, had left for the Eid holidays. Yet she appeared calm and at ease, in fact eager to welcome the 1st of Syawal. She didn't look depressed, nor did she appear anxious. Sakinah is indeed a gift which restless hearts can only envy.

On a lighter note, chill people chill. When the going gets tough, go have some Raya (Eid) cookies. LOL.

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

We all have seen something similar forwarded to us - images of things which have some sacred writings on them. But this was my first time holding such an object. I'm not sure what it looks like to you though.

I saw it while visiting a close friend during Eid. We have known each other since we were seven. We attended the same primary and secondary schools. Unlike me, this friend of mine is a pious and patient lady. She often dreamed of me and my mother somehow. Once, when she was in Mecca for the first time, she had a vivid dream of me and my mother. And the latest dream was on the night before I arrived in Penang during the last week of Ramadan. She texted me telling about her dreams the night before, that she saw me and my mother in Penang. The dream appeared so real she said. MashaAllah, indeed we had just arrived that morning.

I feel blessed to have special friends like her. Her husband has a small orchard in the southwest part of Penang island and this unique cucumber (pic below) was harvested from their orchard. Subhanallah!

Allah

Another sweet memory captured during this year's Eid was seeing the shy grin on Datuk Shaykh Abdullah Bukhari's face when I showed a video of him which was recorded in Syaaban. He seemed pleased and quite surprised to be able to listen to his own speech, that the audio was good despite some health issues he's having, particularly his larynx. It's almost impossible to comprehend him even if you were to sit at his feet. But thanks to the Sennheiser lapel microphone we used, the audio turned out really well. Datuk Shaykh Abdullah Bukhari told us about a certain doctor who could help him recover his voice bi-iznillah. Let us all pray so that Allah will grant him cure and sihah wal afiah. Datuk Shaykh Abdullah Bukhari is a go-to religious person in Penang. He had been serving as imam at Masjid Kapitan Keling since 1976 and only relinquished the role early this year due to health reasons.

And on a personal level, I discovered something that puts a smile on my face. Found it at the back patio of my house in Penang. Now, how many of you still keep your first school bag?

I do! Actually, I didn't know I still have it. We are talking about my first school bag when I entered primary school in 1977! That's 38 years ago. And the name sticker on the bag was specially made by my late father. We chose this bag together. Allah blessings be upon my late father. Allah blessings be upon all the fathers out there who work hard to give a good education to their children.

Monday, July 20, 2015

Better to ramble in blogosphere than engage in some nonsensical shouting match LOL.

Alhamdulillah wa shukrulillah, happy to be back in my KL home-sweet-home. But am terribly missing my kampung (hometown), missing my lovely Penang home, already. Missing my favorite spot in da houze especially the 'Danish pelita' (torch lights). They are made in Denmark you won't believe it. It's a shame that we can't manufacture something as neat despite the fact that we consume a million pelita each year. [That's a guesstimate of course.]

New fave spot

For those travelling, we wish you a safe trip. We made it to KL after 6 hours of driving, Alhamdulillah indeed. Pray so that for that Alhamdulillah, Allah will keep on granting us His protection. Ameen.

After so much fanfare, it's time to mean business.

Yours truly,

E

'I mean business' lookLOL

ps Thank u buddy for flying to Penang and driving back to KL with me : ) Glad you made it to KLIA to send your girl off.

Saturday, July 18, 2015

If I could be bold and name one common thing which I think I share with Habib Nuh, is that I genuinely love kids. Hah hah! My Eid - the first day of Eid - has always been about entertaining children who would roam about our village as soon as the Eid prayer is over. Every year, on 1st Syawal morning, it's about rushing home from the mosque, eating quickly because the doorbell would start ringing soon.

It's not just about giving the children duit raya [cash in nice colorful packets, pronounce do-it ra-yar], it's about engaging with each one of them and making them feel special because they are special.

My Raya is not just about sitting pretty and posing for the camera, it's about sweating out and juggling with a dozen of things, just so that the guests would feel cherished. At the end of the day, the feeling is simply awesome, it's a precious unique kind of happiness which you could only get once a year. I hope and imagine when I am 70, these boys and girls would pay me a visit and care to have a chat about life.

Oh, this year, the qariah of my neighborhood mosque is lucky because the famous, intelligent and good looking young Imam, popularly known as Imam Muda Asyraf gave the Eid kutbah. He is from Gelugor (my neighborhood) y'all!

Imam Muda Asyraf
gave an excellent Eid kutbah.
No wonder he won the young imam competition

Oh let me back track a bit, on the eve of Eidul Fitri we would usually welcome a group of the village residents who go around making takbir. See that young man wearing grey outfit, facing the camera? Saad who is a hafiz has been coming to my house for Eid takbir since he's small like nine or eight if I'm not mistaken. He is 17 this year.

Raya eve

This Eid, I was fortunate to have received about 80 kids as guests. The number varies between 60 to 100 each year. As in the previous years some of them would come for a second visit, usually after they're done doing their 'rounds'. They would come for the second time to either quench their thirst or count their Eid money collection, LOL.

Counting their Eid rizq.
When I asked about this year's collection.
They said: 'Not as good as before.
Probably because of the price hike and GST.'
Clever answer!

Caught this boy secluding himself from his buddies.
Guess what he's up to?

LOL

Of all my young guests, I think Muzammil is the cutest. He is 11. He talked about himself candidly. He has been wearing glasses since he's 9 on account of heavy reading and surfing the net. He missed fasting for 3 days when he was down with a fever. He is the eldest of two boys. I asked: 'Did you manage to go for teraweh?' His reply was: 'Yes but not when I was busy.' By busy he actually meant his father being busy working night shifts so there's no one to ferry him to the mosque as his mother was occupied with his little brother.

Muzammil
is such a good sport.
Strumming the guitar for fun.

My first group of guests happen to wear the same color as I did.
The young lady right next to me had this to say before she left:
'I am 18 but I won't be studying anymore because
I need to work to help my mother support my siblings.'
: (

Thursday, July 16, 2015

We are humbled and utterly grateful to be able to publish the 29th, the last, Ramadan Bites of Wisdom as the curtain comes down on the blessed month of Ramadan.

We shall once again reiterate that we are not worthy enough to be associating ourselves with the honorable Ghawth Al Azam, Shaykh Abdul Qadir Al-Jilani. We merely respond to the call for anyone and everyone to convey even it be one sentence that could guide people to realization of the Truth.

The quotations are from the tausiyah given by Shaykh Abdul Qadir Al-Jilani during Ramadan hundreds of years ago. His words were compiled in a book called 'The Sublime Revelation' which is an English translation by Muhtar Holland of the Arabic version Al Fath Ar Rabbani.

'The Sublime Revelation' is one of numerous works by Shaykh Abdul Qadir Al-Jilani published by Al Baz Publishing.

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Am feeling upbeat. Must be the air here in Penang, my beautiful island in the sun where wholesome people call home : D

Eid decor at Times Square in Penang.
Yes we have Times Square too!

I have been busy working on my orchid pot plants and DIY small garden, among other last minute Raya (Eid) preps.

The choice for this Eid - fresh orchids.
Wonder what God whispered to them, that they bloomed so pretty.

Oh, yesterday I visited a mudir (vice-principal) of a large private Islamic school in Penang. He graduated from Madinah University. The last time I met him was 7 years ago. It was a very pleasant occasion. He showed us around the 8-acre school which houses 600 students and 200 senior citizens. Most of them live in modern accommodation and a handful live in traditional hut-style lodgings for one person. Do check out a video recording of the visit after the Eid holidays, InshaAllah.

Oh well, I am a nobody, a weak nobody but I sure love the solehin and people who love and are committed to Allah and His beloved Rasulullah s.a.w.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

First and foremost, I want to apologize to our non-Malay readers because the video below is not in English.

Dr Danial is a medical doctor by profession. He is from Penang, my beautiful hometown : ) He has a clinic in my neighborhood and has treated my mother on a few occasions. He is also well known for his knowledge of the Quran. The main theme for all his talks has always been on the importance of studying the Quran instead of mere recitation.

In this video, he cites one experience he has had as a Chairman of a mosque committee and how a lady told him rather proudly that she has been reading Yaasin on Friday nights for 30 years. But when Dr Danial remarked how well she must have mastered the meanings of Yaasin, the lady shied away.

He also talked about how a US mathematician Professor Jeffrey Lang had embraced Islam 'unintentionally' when he was looking for faults in the Quran. That Quran does not only provide guidance and answers to Muslims but to the entire mankind. It is hudan linnas - a guide to mankind.

Only in In Part 2 of the video will we get to listen about the signs of the Last Day. To our Malay readers/viewers, do stay tune to Al Falah TV Youtube channel.

In Ramadan Bites of Wisdom for Day 27, Shaykh Abdul Qadir Al Jilani tells us to do away with our knowledge and to depend on His knowledge; to set aside our own planning in favor of Allah's planning; to cut off our own will in favor of His will; and to put our mind out of the way on the arrival of His judgments and decrees.

Monday, July 13, 2015

Alhamdulillah, we are pleased to share some clips on Iftar scenes and activities leading to Maghrib in KL. For those who have been to/lived in Malaysia or fellow Malaysians who are abroad, hope the video will put a smile on your face and gladden your heart a bit.

Kuala Lumpur is such a wonderful city : )

And as you might expect, here is Bites of Wisdom for Day 26 for us to ponder.

Sunday, July 12, 2015

'If someone is content with little,
much will come to him'.
- Shaykh Abdul Qadir Al-Jilani

We surely are grateful and contented with the little from Him.

Little knowledge.

Little opportunities.

Little abilities.

There are many people out there who are a lot less fortunate and whose 'little' is comparatively lesser than what we have got.

My gregarious mother likes to chat up with janitors/cleaners, maids, security guards and salespersons at the malls, anywhere and everywhere, asking them about their job, their pay, their life, see if they are doing well. These people always open up to her, somehow.

Her most recent encounter was with a lady security personnel at a hospital. She willingly told my mother that she earns RM1500 per month, that her husband also works the same job, at the same place earning the same income. They rent a room (not a house) for RM290 per month.

Think about it. Their monthly rental is slightly less than the price of one average Raya (Eid) dress. And that's KL rate y'all.

Imagine being a security personnel working odd hours during Ramadan. Imagine having a simple iftar in a small rented room...imagine they don't have the means to travel home during Eid. Imagine....oh let's pray and imagine they will have children and live in a more comfortable house next Ramadan, that Allah will grant them sihah wal afiah and plenty of rizq. Ameen.

But, it's better to live with your beloved spouse in a small rented room, happy and contented, than live in a big house but live miserably unhappy.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Alhamdulillah, we are indeed delighted to be able to share this video with our Malaysian friends especially those from Penang. The video is in Malay so we apologize to our English-speaking viewers.

Dato Shaykh Abdullah Bukhari, 83, had been imam at Penang's most historic mosque - Masjid Kapitan Keling since 1976. He studied at Penang's first and most prominent Islamic school Madrasah Al-Mashoor which was established in 1918. Dato' Shaykh Abdullah then furthered his studies in India and became one of the earliest batch of huffaz in Penang. He is a long time Fatwa Council Member for the state. He told us candidly, how he has been missing the meetings at the Council due to poor health.

But his mind and spirits are as healthy as ever. He gave an impromptu speech when he saw us equipped with a camera. He spoke about the sacred months in Islam and the importance of having good akhlak.

Let's all pray so that Allah will grant him sihah wal afiah and make us belong with those who respect and admire the solehin, mu'aleem and arifeen amongst His chosen servants.

And this is Ramadan Bites of Wisdom for Day 22, for you.

Alhamdulillah wa shukrulillah, though we are sinners and so lacking in many areas, yet Allah the Generous has allowed us to be a facilitator or khadim rather for the pious and learned. May Allah forgive our shortcomings and grant us respite for this insignificant deed we try to do. Ameen.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

In this Ramadan Bites of Wisdom, the honorable Ghawth Al Azam teaches us to make this simple plea:

Ilahi,
help me,
give me patience
and grant me relief.

_____________________

On a lighter note, I wish at least 10 people would read this posting. Why?

Because one doctor I visited recently, a non-Muslim lady doctor asked me to make a pledge. She said, 'Girl, this will be your Ramadan service. You must make a pledge to go tell at least ten people, tell them that they should stop using plastic bags. You must care for the environment because two people die of dengue every day. Why? Because plastic bags are everywhere and that's bad for the environment. When you are at the cashiers, when they ask you if you need plastic bags, you must answer loudly, 'No, I don't use plastic bags.' You must let people around you hear you so that they know you are a civilized woman. Now you take this recycle bag as a gift from me. I am a doctor, yes my duty is to treat you but I am also responsible to help curb diseases by educating people about health and the environment. So now you say: 'I pledge. I will tell 10 people about this.'

So, I repeated after her.

So there.

Folks, please bring your own bag when you go shopping at the Ramadan Bazaar, the grocers, anywhere, all the time. InshaAllah.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

So we should better trust Him fully and wholeheartedly.
'In His Hand is all good.'Quran 3:26

In His Hand is forgiveness.

May Allah grant us contentment with His actions (af'al)
and gratitude under all circumstances.
Amin.

Wassalamualaikum warahmatullah.

____________________________

p/s

I pray to Allah for all things good for my friends who are attentive and caring enough to correct my mistakes even it be one silly typo error. LOL. Indeed I pray for all things good for all my friends who have done much good to me. I hope when these good people are in the Heavens and when they notice I am not there, they would be kind enough to plead to Allah to let me enter Jannah too.

Saturday, July 4, 2015

Alhamdulillah for the facilitation and strength from the Lord for us to be consistent until Day 17, so far. This video for Day 17 is special, in my opinion, because it has got a collection of duá by Ghawth al Azam during the Ramadan tausiyah he made in 545 AH.

Concluding the selection of du'a, is one 'particularly meaningful petition made by Shaykh Abdul Qadir Al Jilani:

"O Allah may I benefit from what I have to say,

and let them benefit from what I am saying,

and they are hearing."

We cannot be sure if we could ever fully adhere to all his advice. We hope by mentioning the name of solehin, people who are near to Allah, pray so that Allah's mercy will descend upon us. We sure hope that we will one day be able to fully put to use the Shaykh's sayings. Ameen.

_________________

Apologies for this delayed posting as I was out and about for a unique Ramadan experience called Iftar@KL where Muslims and non-Muslims alike gather at the historic Dataran Merdeka field for iftar, Maghrib, Isya and Teraweh prayers.

Reserved 'seating area' for tahfiz students
which double as prayer area for the public.
The imam for the Maghrib, Isya and Teraweh prayers
was Shaykh Hussam from Saudi Arabia
who replaced the grand Shaykh of Masjidil Haram
- Shaykh Abdul Rahman Sudais
who could not make it to the event.

Friday, July 3, 2015

Alhamdulillah, as promised, here it is - tausiyah by one good looking Shaykh from Singapore. You may read his short bio from the poster. Towards the end of the video, you will get to see a glimpse of Habib Umar's son as he arrived at the majlis ta'lim.

_________________________

Ramadan Bites of Wisdom - Day 16

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Znxnxz10zOg&spfreload=10

In this Ramadan Bites of Wisdom for Day 16, Shaykh Abdul Qadir Al-Jilani teaches us to let go to God's Will.

'But you will not,

unless Allah Wills.'

- Quran 76:30

The fact is many of us think we are good already or better than others, therefore are quick to judge and give verdicts on others. However, when we are faced with Allah's Will that is not in accordance to our own will or rather ego, we jump to the ceiling.

Allah knows and manages His creations from the big picture, from macro level. But we look at His will on us and others from a myopic micro perspective. Allah will eventually evaluate if we have a good or not so good khatimah. People unnecessarily busy themselves checking on other people's progress, when they themselves are 'work in progress' and cannot be sure how they will end up.

When we are not happy with His workings on us, we shout! But in this Day-16 clip, the Shaykh says we should smile in the face of His decree (qadar), His will (irada) and His transformative action (tabdil).

So I learned a new Arabic word - tabdil. Interesting word it is - transformative action. Surely Allah Ar Rahman Ar Rahim only transform His creations for the better with mercy for His mercy is way above His wrath. Let's embrace this second half of Ramadan with bigger efforts and better hopes for His Mercy and Bounties.

p/s

Give yourself a pat on the back,
if you have been keeping cool and wearing a smile : )

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Indeed a guest cannot be choosy, let alone be rude towards the people of the household.

Remember this Eid (or anytime) before you enter a person's house, do say salam. If after the third salam you still don't hear a reply, you better move your butt out. And don't ever open the gate yourself or impersonate. You may be the boss and be gung-ho in your own house but you'd better leave that attitude at home.

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Quoting a line from this Ramadan Bites of Wisdom for Day 14, let's pray so that our heart is in a state of absence and sleep in relation to creatures but of wakefulness with the Creator. Ameen

I wish to convey my heartfelt thanks to the genuine readers of this blog and viewers of Al Falah TV Youtube channel for your continued support and encouragement. Your good feedback means a lot to the team. Here's one viewer's comments that touches our heart:

MashaAllah, Subhanallah, May Allah's blessings be with you in your life journey. That production of yours [Ramadan Bites of Wisdom] is a jewel that touches the souls of musafirs. Barakah Sultan Awliya Shaykh Abdul Qadir Al Jilani.